Our 2024 Bunuru Social Impact Summit commenced with a profound Sunrise Smoking Ceremony by Nick Abraham at the break of dawn on the 13th of March. This sacred ritual, symbolising a new beginning, was held before the Gija Jumulu (Giant Boab) fire as Ngaangk (Sun) rose, transforming night into day. Nick and Danjoo Koorliny Co-Director Dr Noel Nannup OAM shared their wisdom with the attendees. A unique opportunity was presented to the guests to walk through the smoke, contemplating on three fundamental questions; "What's your name?" "Who's your mob?" and "What's important to you?".
.
Sunrise Smoking Ceremony at Gija Jumulu (Giant Boab)
.
Rickeeta Walley then led a Cultural Walking Tour of Kaarta Koomba (Kings Park) on the way to Poolgarla Parkland, where registration and the remainder of the Summit took place.
.
Cultural Walking Tour
Registration at Poolgarla Parkland
As guests continued to arrive at Poolgarla Parkland, a second Smoking Ceremony was held.
.
Smoking Ceremony at Karla Beedawong
.
Throughout the day, a diverse range of local food and drink was generously provided to all attendees. From the aromatic brews of Sunday Club Coffee and Mia San Mia Coffee to the refreshing juices from Juice Station, the offerings catered to a variety of tastes and preferences, ensuring everyone was kept refreshed and energised.
.
Juice van and pastry van (Sugar Bee) at Bunuru Social Impact Summit
Aunty Liz Hayden provided the Welcome to Country in the main tent to kick off the Summit. Our "Survival | Honouring Our Elders" panel saw elders Ben Taylor AM, Liz Hayden, Millie Penny AM, and Yasmin (Jill) Abdullah generously sharing their stories, and our "Resilience" panel celebrated the 50-year history of both Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service and Aboriginal Legal Service WA. Rickeeta Walley and Derek Nannup Jr got us up on our feet for movement between sessions, and Dr Roma Yibiyung Winmar and Kobi Morrison touched our hearts with a Noongar and English version of "We Are One."
.
Welcome to Country by Aunty Liz Hayden
Wayne Nannup, Tracey Brand, Associate Professor Stephen Kinanne (moderator)
and Professor Dennis Egginton AM at our “Resilience” panel
The Yaagan (Turtle) installation was a prominent feature at each event, and all attendees gathered for a photo during the day. Lara Rose Bos created the installation using upcycled materials and cuttings from Kaarta Koomba (Kings Park).
To celebrate Danjoo Koorliny's 5th anniversary, all attendees enjoyed cupcakes baked by Sweet on Cupcakes for morning tea.
.
Group photo and cupcakes
Yaagan (Turtle) installation
.
WA Premier Roger Cook joined us for the launch of Carol Patterson OAM's book, Following the Spirit of the Yirdah Bird. Guests had the opportunity to get their free copies of the book signed by Carol.
.
Launch of Following the Spirit of the Yirdah Bird
.
The first round of Breakout Sessions and Yarning Circles for the Summit included topics such as "Keeping Language Alive," "Mental Health," and "Healthy Country." Dale Tilbrook and Rickeeta Walley's bush food and medicine workshops allowed us to get out amongst nature and share knowledge under the trees.
.
Bush Food workshop
“Keeping Language Alive” breakout session
.
Lunchtime performances by Fred Penny, Olive Knight, Lois Olney, David Milroy, and Lucky Oceans were held along with catering from Vincenzo Velletri.
.
.
Performances by Lois Olney, Olive Knight and Lucky Oceans
.
After lunch, a second round of Breakout Sessions and Yarning Circles was held. Topics included "Truth Telling from the Archives," "Mapping Country," and "The Continuing Practice of Making." The day was concluded with entertainment from Noongar drag queens Elaine Open and Jolie.D, a performance from rapper Beni Bjah, and final words from the Danjoo Koorliny Co-Directors.
Performances by Elaine Open, Jolie.D and Beni Bjah
Danjoo Koorliny extends our heartfelt gratitude to everyone for their significant contributions to this rich and meaningful Summit. From those who worked tirelessly with us in the lead-up to the event to those who gave us their presence, open hearts, and listening ears on the day. Each contribution was invaluable and made a profound impact.
.
Weaving space by Sharyn Egan